Apple unveils first folding iPhone, its first major design change in two decades

Apple unveiled a significant redesign of its flagship smartphone at a live‑streamed event on Tuesday, marking the first major alteration to the iPhone’s exterior in nearly two decades. The company introduced a new model that departs from the rounded‑edge silhouette that has defined the device since its 2007 debut, featuring a flat‑sided chassis, an edge‑to‑edge display and the elimination of the physical home button.

The updated iPhone incorporates a stainless‑steel frame, a ceramic‑shield front cover and a larger, bezel‑free screen that supports a higher refresh rate. Internally, the device retains Apple’s latest processor and camera system while adding a suite of sensors to enable advanced facial recognition and improved augmented‑reality capabilities. The redesign also includes a revised port layout, moving the charging connector to a more central position and supporting faster data transfer speeds.

Analysts view the redesign as a strategic move to rejuvenate the iPhone’s market appeal and align its aesthetics with competing flagship phones that have adopted similar flat‑edge designs. Apple plans to begin shipping the new model later this quarter, with pre‑orders opening next week, signaling a fresh chapter for the long‑standing product line.